News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 15, 2003
Contact:  Kirsten Kendrick, Governor’s Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Sharon Wallace, Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, 360-725-4019 and Sheryl Hutchison, Department of Ecology, 360-407-7004

Gov. Gary Locke Signs Shorelines Bill to Help Secure New Boeing Rail-Barge Facility in Everett

With the Everett waterfront as a backdrop, Gov. Gary Locke today signed a shorelines bill that will help Everett continue its plans for a dock near Mukilteo that could be used by The Boeing Company. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1933 clarifies how local governments are to protect shorelines while planning for development, a necessary step while Everett prepares to amend its shorelines plan for the proposed project.

“Construction of this facility would improve Boeing’s operations in Everett and allow the company to grow and expand and create jobs,” Locke said. “We are doing everything we can to make this a reality.”

Rep. Jean Berkey, D-Everett, was the prime sponsor of the legislation. "With this legislation we can protect our fragile shorelines - while providing for responsible economic development," she said. "I'd like to thank those that worked so hard on the legislation, especially Sen. Aaron Reardon (D-Everett). This bill will not only be a huge benefit to Everett, but for other communities like it across the state."

If Boeing decides to go ahead with the rail-barge project, it will improve the efficiency and speed with which its cargo can be moved from shore to the Everett plant. This could support the final assembly of future Boeing airplanes, such as the proposed 7E7.

“This is a great example of collaboration between the Port of Everett, the city, Snohomish County and the state to make sure we are keeping and growing Boeing jobs here,” said Martha Choe, director of the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED).

The facility will consist of a dock, a rail connection to the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe main line, and improvement of the Boeing rail spur and storage facilities for rail cars. The evaluation phase of the project has been completed and the environmental review and permit phase are underway.

ESHB 1933 is a response to a recent decision by the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board. In that case, the board ruled against Everett’s new shoreline plan. With the signing of the bill, Everett and other cities and counties have more certainty and direction on how they should write their shoreline plans.

“This new law removes confusion about which set of laws should be used to guide protection and development of shoreline areas, and that will make it easier to do this important work,” said Tom Fitzsimmons, director of the state Department of Ecology.

Locke praised the partnership of the city, county, the Port of Everett and Boeing, and pledged to work with all parties involved to help secure the state permits needed for the project.

Related Links:
- Governor's Web site
- Department of Ecology
- Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development


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